Q: When does the NABJJF post the schedule/brackets/results/dates for tournaments?

A: We keep this information updated on our tournament page at www.nabjjf.com. We post the tournament schedule and the brackets on Thursday the week of the tournament. The competitor list is usually posted after the first registration deadline. Kids brackets are posted but keep in mind that they are subject to change.

Q: Is there a fee for spectators at tournaments?

A: Yes, there is a $10 fee for spectator entry. However, SJJIF/NABJJF members get into all tournaments for free with their current membership ID cards. (Spectator fee may change depending on the facility the tournament is being held)

Q: Where do I get my tournament T-Shirt?

A: Shirts will be available at the NABJJF tournament booth usually next to the main entrance. You will need your ID to pick up a shirt. Your t-shirt must be picked up at the tournament. We will not ship any shirts out to competitors that forgot to get their shirts at the tournament.

Q: Can I get a refund on my tournament registration fee?

A: Unfortunately, as it states on our tournament registration page and on your registration confirmation email, we do not provide refunds for tournament registration. Credits are only given to competitors that have purchased the Registration Insurance at the time of registration.  If you purchased that option, you would receive a credit for a future tournament in the case you are unable to attend. To receive your credit, you must submit written notice of your absence to NABJJF by midnight the Thursday before the tournament. Credit can be used for a future tournament registration of equal or lesser value. 

Q: My child is the only one in their division. Will she/he have a match?

A: In the case that your child is by themselves in the division we will notify you by email with your child’s option(s). Keep in mind that in some situations your child could be by themselves and not receive an email from us. In this case we are waiting on another competitor to move to your kids division. If you do not hear from our team by email, it means that your child has competitor(s) in their division. Once you receive our email you have 24 hours to respond. If we don’t get a response from you, we will then match your child based off the age, weight, gender, and belt provided in their registration. If you are a competitor juvenile and older, you are responsible to move or make changes by the check date if you are by yourself.

Q: How does the NABJJF match kids in your tournament brackets? Why is my child in a different division?

A: Kids are one of our top priorities. We spend hours reviewing each child’s registration and their place in the brackets to ensure they get the best matches possible and as many fair matches as possible. The reason your child is in a different bracket is because our team located the best match for them, typically this will happen if we have reached out to you by email and we did not receive a response within 24 hours.  The bracket coordinator reserves the right to make any changes to the brackets where deemed necessary. Rest assured that we do everything we can to give your child a positive competitive experience.

Q: Where do I check in the day of the tournament?

A: Competitors will need to check in at the front desk to be given their stamp to enter the tournament. The NABJJF posts the schedule for tournaments in advance. Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to when your division is scheduled to begin. We will call your weight division to the weigh in area, and you will be checked in as you are weighed for your division. No cannot check-in prior to your weigh-in time.

Q: What "Mat Number" am I competing on?

A: Mat numbers are not assigned until all the competitors have weighted in and after they are all in the bullpen.

Q: I am signed up for a tournament, but my team’s name is not correct. How can I fix this?

A: You can change your team’s name by the check date deadline of that tournament. Login to your SJJIF profile to make those changes. You can also send us an email by the final check date to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Q: Can I change my weight division?

A: You may change your weight division at any point up to the check date deadline listed in the registration page. This is typically set 7 days out from the tournament. After the said check date and once brackets are posted, no changes can be made to weight or any other category. Absolutely no changes will be made on the day of the tournament. All changes must be done by loging in to your SJJIF profile or by requested in writing to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Q: Will my child be disqualified if they are overweight?

A: Competitors in the Kids divisions have a 1-pound allowance. We will not disqualify any kids for not making weight. Instead, we will move them up in weight category. However, if the weight category above them is already weighed in, they may be moved up two or three weight categories or up in age category. Make sure your child is signed up for a division where they can make weight rather than risk being moved.

Q: Will I or my child be disqualified if they are under the minimum weight?

A: While our weight classes may specify a range, it is only necessary to weigh less than the maximum weight to compete in a given weight class.

Q: How can I become a staff for your tournaments?

A: To become a staff contact us at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Q: How can I become a referee for the NABJJF?

A: Refereeing for the NABJJF is a paid position based off experience. We hold rules seminars for referees. We are always looking for brown and black belts with referee experience to attend our seminars and become certified. Please email your name, rank, instructor, and relevant experience to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  if you wish to referee for us.

Q: What is the best way to contact the North American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation?

A: If you need to contact us regarding a NABJJF tournament, the fastest and most efficient way is to send a detailed email to   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . If you are making updates to your registration, log in to your SJJIF account and make the changes there, if you run into any issues you can send your changes to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .